Veterans Affairs committee  I think it's fair to say that the report from the Gerontological Advisory Council was quite broad in its scope and talked about a whole range of elements, not just the veterans independence program. Obviously, we looked at that report and considered the full range of issues that it raised for us, particularly in light of the highly credentialled membership of that advisory group.

Veterans Affairs committee  I guess the other part is that it has flexibility, so it really links back to what individual needs a veteran may have. So based on what services they get elsewhere, based on what they're capable of doing themselves, what the spouse or caregiver is able to do, or what their children are able to do, the package of services is worked through from there.

Veterans Affairs committee  There are a number of ways you can answer that question, I think. One of the foremost issues is, what is the most appropriate care that should be provided to a younger person? I think there is always an issue around our traditional long-term care beds and how appropriate they are for a younger person.

Veterans Affairs committee  No, other than that I think there are always people in very different circumstances. It's hard to be able to systematically address all the needs all the people have all the time. In any government program—and I guess I can talk more from the Australian than the Canadian perspective—you have to draw some boundaries around different programs at some point.

Veterans Affairs committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Thanks very much for inviting us to here today. I think we'll be able to provide you with some excellent and detailed information, particularly about our long-term care and VIP and health benefits programs. But I guess within the theme of our presentation today, it's really about how we're working towards establishing a better continuum of care for those we provide services to.

Veterans Affairs committee  I'll provide a brief opening comment, then I'll hand it over to Carlos and Colleen to run you through the presentation.